Masterclass: Advancing the Identification and Management of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Bridging Clinical Challenges and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is an interferon-driven autoimmune skin disease with three main subtypes—acute (ACLE), subacute (SCLE), and chronic (CCLE), including discoid lupus erythematosus and related variants. Overlap with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other dermatologic conditions complicates diagnosis and management, underscoring the importance of early recognition to prevent irreversible damage. Conventional treatments are often nonspecific, slow to act, and limited by tolerability and monitoring concerns, whereas emerging targeted therapies show promise. Given its chronic, relapsing course, optimized outcomes require multidisciplinary care and continued clinician education to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient quality of life. After participating in this educational initiative, learners should be able to: • Describe the pathogenesis, clinical variations, and diagnosis of acute, subacute, and chronic CLE to support comprehensive assessment and timely treatment • Evaluate current clinical data associated with available and emerging treatment options for CLE • Implement evidence-based and individualized CLE care that incorporates an interdisciplinary approach to management Supported by an educational grant from Biogen.